16 years ago I stood on those steps, I stood in awe, wonder and disbelief at the glory of what was built. I saw beauty and power in the city, those buildings.
7 1/2 years ago, I sat in disbelief and watched those same structures crumble and crash to the ground in a fiery, smoky mass of pain, grief and hate, loss and ugliness spiraling out of control.
7 1/2 years ago,, I watched every day people become heroes, rising from the ashes of destruction to display hope, grace and strength. I sat with tears streaming down my face and felt pride, hope and renewal welling up inside of me. I saw beauty rise from pain, Grace rise from grief and Hope emerge from Hell.
Today, I sit and look at those pictures with a catch in my chest, a tug at my heart, and tears in my eyes.
Thank you.
You gave me and many others, a gift.

My dear friend’s father died there, and I went a few years ago. There was a teddy bear outside that church with a message that said “Daddy gave this to me to keep me from harm. I wish I gave it to Daddy that day.” It made me cry. It still does.

I recently saw a documentary on this cathedral. Such reverence indeed. How lucky to have been able to go there. Love that they are constantly putting out new things and rotating it The love is astounding. Definitely will never forget.